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Simple Days

I have been desiring more quiet in my life. I think between the long days of summer combined with a desire to be more focused, I find that I am enjoying a slower paced life.

I have strived for a simplified life for awhile but it seems like every season has new things to adapt to that throw me off course.

It is amazing though how a few things can make such a difference in my daily pace.

I recently stopped going to the gym and started working out at home. I love not driving as much and using up precious productivity time by driving back and forth. Not to mention how much less unnecessary shopping I am doing by not being out as much.

I am trying to clear out our cupboard and refrigerator before buying new food. Something I did in the past when money was tight is now refreshing to choose to do for the sake of simplifying and clearing out our kitchen. I hate throwing things out when they get old.

I am forcing myself enjoying picking up some old hobbies and finishing projects. It feels good to sew something myself or finish a project I have had on my to do list for years {I promise to share some of these things soon!}.

And yet all these things boil down to one thing. Being at home.

I love being at home. It is something I wanted for so long before I got married. And yet is is so easy to take for granted or to let slip away.

Refocusing on my home life has refreshed my spirit as well as helped me to refocus on my husband more.

We will be going on three years of marriage in October and I do not want to let that desire to serve and take care of my husband to slip away as quickly as house chores sometimes do. But somehow it happens so easily.

I sure enjoy reading your posts, Ashley. I really relate to the sense of contentment from being home. And your examples of slowing down and trying to enjoy the simplest chores reminds me of the idea of Mindfulness. Leslie (aka Gwen Moss blog)

Simplifying is without a doubt the way to go. I've been trying, emphasis there on trying, to do this for the past two years. It's a work in progress. Sometimes I get discouraged because I'll find a way to simplify one aspect of my life, just to take on something new that seems to complicate things all over again. It can be frustrating, but I think if you remain focused on the goal...which is, of course, happiness, then I don't think you can go wrong.

Such a good post Ashley. I've also been striving for this alot in the last year. As Sarah said as soon as one area calms down another seems to pick up. Days/nights at home help you focus on the important things and refresh your mind. Getting to bed early enough is something that really helps me with this frame of mind but just doesn't happen often enough. Unfortunately I am not good at saying no and between family and friends and a boyfriend life fills up. Would love to secret to it but I guess it's something God is teaching us through! Continue to enjoy and make the most of each day:) x

I think you might have touched on one of the core issues of being at home. Just like any job, there are times when you are doing your best and other times when you know in your heart you are just mailing it in. It definitely takes a more specific kind of focus when you are not responsible for the same sorts of tangible deadlines as you typically have at a job outside the home. It's great that you are turning your focus back to what you love most. I think that you have a wonderful perspective, which only serves to benefit you, your husband and your home as a whole.